Laman Library to Host "Visions of the Universe" Exhibit
- Ongoing: until Friday, May 20, 2011
- Sunday: 1:00pm
- Monday: 9:00am
- Tuesday: 9:00am
- Wednesday: 9:00am
- Thursday: 9:00am
- Friday: 9:00am
- Saturday: 9:00am
- Where: William F. Laman Public Library, North Little Rock
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: Not available
Laman Library to Host "Visions of the Universe" Traveling Exhibition
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (February 23, 2011) - Galileo Galilei
transformed our knowledge of the universe in 1609 when he peered
into the cosmos using an astronomical telescope - the first person
to do so. An exciting new exhibit opening at the William F. Laman
Public Library System on March 16, 2011 celebrates that event and
tells the story of how astronomy has evolved over the four hundred
years since then. Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of
Discovery uses historical drawings and diagrams made by Galileo and
other early astronomers, along with dramatic contemporary images
taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and other space missions, to
show how our views and understanding of the universe and the
objects within it have changed over the centuries.
The traveling exhibit, which is visiting 55 libraries throughout
the U.S., is part of a multi-year global celebration of astronomy
and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the
400th anniversary of Galileo's achievement. In the U.S., the goal
of this continuing celebration is to offer an engaging astronomy
experience to every person in the country.
Visions of the Universe is presented by the Space Telescope Science
Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; the Smithsonian Astrophysical
Observatory, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and the American Library
Association, Chicago, through funding from the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA).
"We are pleased that our library was chosen as a site for this
groundbreaking exhibit covering four centuries of astronomy," said
Jeff Baskin, Executive Director. "The exploration of space is a
topic that fascinates everyone, regardless of their age, and the
remarkable images in this exhibit show how far we have come in
understanding the universe and our place in it. The images of the
rings of Saturn and of stars that have exploded are truly awe-
inspiring. We hope the whole community will be able to see the
exhibit and participate in the programs the library has planned."
Visions of the Universe covers a wide range of topics related to
the scientific exploration of the universe, from storms on the sun
to features on the surfaces of Mars and the Moon, the nature of
comets, star birth, and distant galaxies. The colorful exhibit
panels feature striking images of planets, stars, comets, nebulae,
and galaxies taken by NASA's powerful astronomical observatories
and spacecraft, as well as drawings and diagrams created by early
astronomers such as Galileo, Christiaan Huygens, and Charles
Messier, which show how the universe, stars, and planets were
viewed and understood centuries ago.
Laman Library is sponsoring a number of free programs and other
events for the public in connection with the exhibit. Contact Debra
Wood (501-771-1995 x105; Debra.Wood@LamanLibrary.org) or visit
www.LamanLibrary.org for more information.Visions of the Universe
will be on display at the library though May 20, 2011.
The William F. Laman Public Library System, founded in 1946 and
composed of a main library at 2801 Orange Street in North Little
Rock and a branch library at 506 Main Street in Argenta, is the
official library system of North Little Rock. Although the William
F. Laman Public Library System is independent from other library
systems in central Arkansas, anyone living in Pulaski County may
freely obtain a library card through the William F. Laman Public
Library System.
This event was posted March 7, 2011 and last updated March 8, 2011
